This Is Just to Say: spoken word open mic

Oxford Poetry Library presents a spoken word open mic night! Join us in the library on the first Tuesday of every month to enjoy all manner of word-weaving, story-sharing, and spell-casting.

We welcome poets, storytellers, and writers of all kinds to share their work (or the work of others) in a safe, supportive, and inclusive space. Slots are 2-3 minutes long, and performers sign up on the door – first come, first served and slots fill up quickly so we recommend arriving in good time for 7pm!

The theme for this month’s session is CWTCH. A Welsh word with no perfect English translation, cwtch is more than a cuddle. It’s a safe space, a moment of warmth, a shelter from the storm. Whether it’s the arms of a lover, a memory that holds you, or a home you carry inside, bring your words to the mic and share what cwtch means to you. Go on, give us a hug.

At OPL we want everyone to feel comfortable and has space to enjoy the night. That’s why we have a few basic guidelines that we ask everyone to follow:

• Please refrain from using discriminatory language or harmful content in your performance. If you are unsure about your performance, speak to the host when you arrive.
• You should aim to read something that’s around one page or two minutes – this ensures that everyone has enough time to read.

Every month we feature a performer with a slightly extended set and this month’s featured performer to grace our stage will be Andy Melhuish.

Andy H. Melhuish is an Oxford-based writer and disability professional. He returned to writing poetry in 2022 after many years in the cold, joining OPL as a volunteer and founding the immensely popular Drafting Table workshops. As the poetry community continues to expand, Andy tries to champion diverse voices and ensure everyone feels empowered to develop and share their work.

He’s currently working on his first pamphlet, based (very) loosely on the Seven Wonders of Wales. Andy’s style intends to bridge the gap between page and performance. With his trademark awkward absurdity he explores topics such as mental health, sexuality, neurospiciness, inherited trauma, toxic masculinity and shamelessly soppy love. Classic millennial.

The session starts at 7.30pm (performers are advised to arrive from 7pm), at The Community Works (21 Park End St, OX1 1HU).

£5 entry (£2 concessions), performers free.

The building is accessible, but if you have any specific access needs, please drop us an email at oxfordpoetrylibrary@gmail.com beforehand!